The New Development Plan
The improvement of key elements of the School's facilities is a major priority of the Campaign. As the School grows, so must many areas of the School's facilities improve and expand. The Headmaster and Governors have exciting plans for outstanding new provision in all areas: academic, cultural, sporting and pastoral:
The New Music School
Stowe has always had an immensely strong musical heritage, and continues to produce remarkably talented musicians. Our current music facilities, however, are in urgent need of modernisation and consolidation into one central location in the heart of the School's academic area. For this reason, the creation of a new Music School is central to our vision. We plan a bespoke, multi-functional music facility with essential teaching, practice, recording and performance space. The new Music School represents the most significant capital project ahead for the Campaign for Stowe. It is an immensely exciting project that will address the current shortcomings of facilities at Stowe, and provide a faculty building that we will all be proud of. The cost of the new building is likely to be c. £5.5 million.
Full details about the building including architect's plans can be seen on our website: www.stowemusic.co.uk.
If you would like more detailed information about the Music School on a personal basis, or believe you may be interested in supporting us, please contact the Director of the Campaign for Stowe, Colin Dudgeon, who will be very pleased to talk to you.
Sports Facilities
The development of sporting facilities across the School is an important priority. As the number of pupils grows, and demand for sporting participation increases, so we must ensure that the quality of our infrastructure keeps pace with demand and the breadth of opportunity that we wish to provide. We were delighted to open the new all-weather pitch in 2008 (with contributions to the Campaign for Stowe playing an important part in providing the necessary funds); 2009 saw the completion of new grass pitches on the Bourbon and, thanks to the generosity of many parent and Old Stoic donors we were thrilled to open the new Athletics Track in September 2009 which now provides state-of-the-art facilities for that sport. Further ambitions remain – to provide a new pavilion for the Bourbon, as well as improvements to the swimming pool and sports hall complex.
Refurbishment of the Roxburgh Theatre
The Roxburgh Theatre (or 'Roxy' as it is affectionately known) is an iconic building. It has been central to life at Stowe for over five decades and perhaps most famously was the venue for the concert by The Beatles in April 1963. The Roxy, though, has remained largely untouched for the last 50 years and is now in urgent need of repair and restoration.
Our ambition is not only to repair the leaking roofs and substandard services but also to remodel it and provide a truly superb theatrical facility for many years to come. In 2011 the roof was replaced and the ceiling repaired; in 2012 we aim to completely refurbish the auditorium and stage area, producing facilities that will match any good local theatre; then in 2013 our goal is to refurbish the 'wings' of the theatre, creating new classroom, studio and teaching facilities that will allow the Roxy to become the home for all Theatre and Drama at Stowe.